The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

OUR CRITICS' TAKES ON THIS WEEK'S BESTSELLERS

FOR BOOK LOVERS

The somewhat didactic title doesn't do the book justice, and the occasional overwriting can be distracting. Nevertheless, Keneally blends history, romance and wartime intrigue in a remarkable piece of historical fiction with a strong sense of place and time.
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After being associated with editorial excellence for 80 years, Kirkus has
developed a book editing division to offer unpublished and self-published authors
access to the publishing industry's top editors.
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Our marketing campaigns include promotion in Kirkus Reviews magazine, on
Kirkus.com and in our high-circulation email newsletter. Marketing services
designed to get books discovered by consumers and industry influencers.
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Sometimes success finds you when you stop trying to find success. Take D.J. Molles: he stopped writing altogether after a number of rejections, staying busy with his day job as a police officer. Then he started writing again but wrote for himself, with no thought of getting published. The result was The Remaining, the first book of what is ...

—Kenneth Bennett, author of The Gaia Wars (Read more about Kenneth's deal in Variety)

“The endorsement gave consumers a meaningful recommendation that they could trust.”—Guy Kawasaki, bestselling author of 10 books, including Enchantment and The Art of the Start, as well as the self-publishing guide APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur

”Thanks to Kirkus’ review, we have seen a dramatic surge in sales and an increase in both bookstore and publisher interest. Kirkus' reputation as a credible, unbiased reviewer has made all the difference. This has been the best investment we have made.”—Janet and Ed Howle, authors of The Long Road to Paris

FOR PUBLISHERS

OUR STORY

Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for 80 years. Kirkus Reviews magazine gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. When the books become available for purchase, Kirkus serves the book reviews to consumers in a weekly email newsletter and on Kirkus.com, giving readers unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.

Kirkus also has a full suite of author services, including Kirkus Indie, a book review service for self-publishers, Kirkus Editorial, book editing services for unpublished and self-published authors, and Kirkus Marketing, services that help authors get discovered by consumers as well as industry influencers, such as publishers, agents and film executives.

THE KIRKUS STAR

The Kirkus Star is one of the most prestigious designations in the book industry.
Look for the icon to discover books of exceptional merit.

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